Nicki Minaj Arrives Fifteen Minutes Late For "American Idol"

Nicki Minaj Arrives Fifteen Minutes Late For "American Idol"

Something was wrong when the judges walked onstage during American Idol's live show Wednesday night. Where in the world was Nicki Minaj?

Ryan Seacrest said, "We are coming to you live and on time from Hollywood. Keep that energy going for three of your four judges who have made it here tonight."

Incredibly, Minaj was late for a live broadcast before an audience of millions because, get this, she was stuck in traffic. She tweeted "(bleep) u Malibu!!!!!!! Move to Beverly Hills"

"I hear she's seven minutes out and there's some congestion on the 405," said Seacrest.

When Minaj still hadn't arrived, Seacrest hammered away, even sitting in her seat.

"Which one of you judges gave Nicki the wrong directions and drained to the studio today. Who drained the fuel from her car?" asked Seacrest.

Finally, she showed up more than 15 minutes late. She snuck into her seat during a performance and it looked like she wasn't camera ready, wearing dark glasses and a hoodie. It wasn't until another commercial break passed that her eye makeup was apparently in place so she could take her sunglasses off.

Keith Urban seemed perplexed by the spectacle.

Minaj apparently has a history or being late for live TV appearances. Barbara Walters said on The View, "Do you remember when she was on this show?"

Sherri Shepherd said, "That's right. She was stressing everybody out because she was not here right before we started our show. It was stomach ulcers waiting for her."